Loss control and safety
Step Wisely on Snow and Ice: Predict Misfortune
New Step Wisely winter slip and fall prevention materials are now available in the Resource Library for easy downloading. Building awareness among staff about the hazards posed by winter weather is easy using these items.
The campaign is for anyone concerned about workplace safety, including safety committee members and managers or supervisors.
This year’s theme is “Predict Misfortune” and draws employees’ attention to measures they can take to prevent a slip and fall injury, such as using the shuffle step, wearing appropriate footwear and choosing cleared walkways.
County members have received a mailed starter packet, and other members can either download materials or submit an online order to request printed items be sent to them.
Display One Message at a Time for Maximum Effect
Step Wisely materials include three specific safety messages around the “Predict Misfortune” theme. For maximum benefit, focus on using one message for a month or so and then swapping it for another the next month. This gives employees a chance to absorb the message without it getting cluttered by others.
A few weeks after hanging posters, send the corresponding jpeg image in an email to staff to reinforce the message.
Tip: Set calendar reminders for when to switch posters and send emails.
Get Creative
Members can be creative with how they use Step Wisely materials. Think of where and how the organization communicates with staff, such as on bulletin boards, on the intranet, at team meetings, through email, in the employee newsletter and in common areas (e.g., break rooms).
Members are also encouraged to think beyond the Step Wisely ready-to-use materials to engage staff with the campaign. Consider a kick-off event and other small reminder activities throughout the winter.
Step Wisely Materials
Employee awareness items include:
- Wall posters
- Digital images, related to the theme and supplemental messages
- Animated gif files (most intranets and Outlook 365 support this file format)
- Quick Take on Safety refresher training scripts
- “Caution” poster to alert people to new hazards, such as changing weather conditions, and are to be hung on temporary/short time frame
MCIT Assists Members with Safety
MCIT loss control consultants are available to meet with members to discuss ways to help prevent slip and fall incidents, particularly how to get the most out of the Step Wisely program. Members can contact their MCIT loss control consultant at 866.547.6516.
Slips, Falls Cause Significant Amount of Employee Injuries
Annually slips, trips and falls represent a large number and significant cost of MCIT member claims:
- Slips and falls account for about 23 percent of member-reported workers’ compensation claims and 32 percent of the costs.
- Such claims cost $2.4 million each year on average.
- For general liability claims reported to MCIT, slip, trips and falls represent 36 percent of claims and 24 percent of costs.
The Step Wisely program helps organizations build employee awareness about measures they can take to minimize the risk of injury due to winter weather hazards. Learn more on the Work Wisely page.